JnU investigating 68 teachers over alleged secret activities against state

Jagannath University has formed a four-member committee to investigate 68 teachers over allegations of involvement in “secret anti-state activities”.

An order issued on Thursday gives the committee until Aug 10 to submit its report.

The move came as Chittagong University also formed a three-member fact-finding committee over similar allegations against some of its teachers.

Chittagong University said it would form a “high-powered” committee to identify teachers allegedly working to bring back former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who is in India after being sentenced to death for crimes against humanity, and revive the Awami League.

JnU said it launched the probe because the allegations of “secret anti-state activities” were serious.

The committee is headed by history Prof Nasir Ahmad, with registry section officer (Grade 2) Md Abdul Malek as member secretary. Chemistry Prof Muhammad Zamir Hossain and political science Associate Prof Md Mezbah-ul-Azam Sowdagar are the other members.

Vice-Chancellor Prof Rais Uddin said, “These allegations are serious, so an investigation committee has been formed. Many teachers’ names appear directly, many under aliases, while some names did not appear to belong to our university.

“The committee has been formed to review these issues and submit a proper investigation report. Action will be taken against those found guilty under university rules.”

The committee will also examine whether the teachers had any role in suppressing or attacking the anti-discrimination student movement.